Suspected NDFB(S) militants kill 14 in Assam, injure 20

One of the attackers who were believed to be about five in number was killed in retaliatory action by security forces, police said. The police said that a group of heavily-armed militants, wearing army fatigues, came to the crowded weekly Balajan Tiniali market, about 12 km from here, in a van around noon and fired indiscriminately killing 12 persons on the spot and injuring more than 20 others.

Two other persons succumbed to their injuries enroute to the hospital, it added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned the attack and said the Home Ministry is in touch with the Assam government.

“Saddened by the attack in Kokrajhar. We strongly condemn it. Thoughts & prayers with the bereaved families & those injured,” he tweeted. “The Home Ministry is in touch with the Assam Government & is monitoring the situation closely,” Modi added. The dead included a woman who was yet to be identified while six others have been identified as Mazhar Ali, Salam Ali, Danda Basumatary, Moniram Basumatary, Parmeswar Basumatary and Tapan Chakraborty.

Assam DGP Mukesh Sahay said the attack was suspected to be the handiwork of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB-S) and the operation was still continuing in the area. AK-56 and 47 series rifles along with grenades were also recovered from the spot. 

Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal denounced the attack and said the militants would be dealt with “very sternly”. Sonowal, who is in Delhi, said the militants would be dealt with “very sternly”, a statement from the CMO said. “We will not tolerate any threat from any group,” he said.